RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NiAl TECHNOLOGY FOR TURBINE AIRFOILS

NiAl alloys offer significant payoffs as structural materials in gas turbine applications due to high melting temperature low density,high thermal conductivity and excellent environmental resistance.Significant improvements in the material properties and processing have been achieved. The current approach also emphasizes design and test methodologies which can accept a material with limited ductility and damage tolerance. NiAl alloys have been successfully manufactured into a variety of turbine components. A high pressure turbine vane is currently being engine tested.